Three-time Grammy winner Ne-Yo, Indian music legend Sonu Nigam and pioneering Chinese American rapper MC Jin have partnered with former Warner Music Asia co-president Jonathan Serbin to launch Pacific Music Group, a new entertainment company headquartered in Hong Kong focused on developing Pan-Asian talent for global audiences.
The venture marks a strategic bet on Asia’s growing influence in the music industry, with the company aiming to both elevate regional artists to international prominence and provide Western acts with an entry point into Asian markets.
Pacific Music Group will launch with multiple genre-spanning imprints covering pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronic and regional Asian styles. The label’s geographic reach extends from Japan to India and from China and Korea south to Southeast Asia.
“Asia has emerged as one of the most dynamic forces in the global music industry. With half the world’s population and three of the top ten music markets, the region is primed to lead on the world stage. At the same time, rapidly growing markets like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines offer immense potential. We believe the time is right for a music company born in Asia, but built with a global perspective from day one,” said Serbin, who previously helped drive Warner Music’s expansion across Asia and launched its first dedicated K-pop label. “Ne-Yo, Sonu and MC Jin have all achieved long-standing global success, and they know exactly what it takes to build international music careers. I’m honored to partner with these legends. Pacific Music Group artists will gain invaluable insight from their experience and vision.”
Ne-Yo added: “Launching Pacific Music Group isn’t just a business move, it’s a personal mission. As an individual of Chinese descent, I’m proud to use my resources to help discover and elevate the next generation of talented Pan-Asian superstars. I’ve toured across Asia several times and witnessed the evolution of the music scene, so I’m really excited to make history and bring the region’s rich culture to the forefront of the global stage.”
MC Jin, who will head up Pacific Music Group’s hip-hop imprint, stated: “The influence of hip-hop on a global scale is undeniable. For me, it provided a way to find my voice as an artist, explore my identity as a Chinese American and share my truth as a storyteller. As a fan of the music and a student of the craft, I’m looking forward to connecting with artists who are also on that journey. Asia is full of talent with unique stories, fresh styles and authentic messages waiting to be shared with the world. With Pacific Music Group, these individuals will now have a chance to share their art rooted in creativity and culture in an impactful way.”
Sonu Nigam, one of India’s most celebrated performers, added: “India alone has 1.6 billion people, but Indian artists want to connect well beyond our borders. The same is true across Asia. There is a hunger to grow globally and the potential to bring the richness of our cultures to the world. With Pacific Music Group, we’re not just exporting talent, we’re helping artists thrive both at home and abroad.”
He added: “I have performed in more than 50 countries, and everywhere I go I see the same excitement for Asian music and culture. Working with Ne-Yo, MC Jin, and Jonathan gives us a rare mix of global experience and deep regional understanding. Together, we can mentor artists from across Asia and help them share their stories in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to listeners around the world.”
The three artist-founders will provide A&R guidance and mentorship to the label’s roster, drawing on decades of success as globally renowned performers and hitmakers. Serbin brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the music and media industries. During his tenure at Warner Music Asia, he oversaw 11 countries and territories and signed artists including Lay Zhang, Elva Hsiao, Coco Lee, G.E.M., Eric Chou, Vava, Jam Hsiao, Jolin Tsai and Fish Long.
“Our approach is simple,” Serbin said. “We want to discover great artists in Asia and help them reach global audiences, and we want to provide international artists with an authentic and strategic entry point into the region. Pacific Music Group was designed from the beginning to operate at a global scale.”
The company’s name references a shift in the industry’s geographic center of gravity. Three of the world’s largest music markets — Japan, China and Korea — are located in Asia, alongside rapidly growing markets including India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
“Eighty years ago, when Atlantic Records was founded, the Atlantic Ocean symbolized the dominant music axis, linking the U.S. and U.K. Today, that axis has shifted,” the company stated in its announcement. “Asia is now the epicenter of creative energy, musical innovation, and fan engagement.”
Pacific Music Group’s debut artists will be unveiled in the coming months, with initial music releases scheduled for fall 2025. The company will operate with offices and talent hubs across Asia.
Ne-Yo has earned three Grammy Awards and penned hits for Rihanna, Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson. MC Jin became the first Asian American solo hip-hop artist to sign with a major U.S. label after rising to prominence on BET’s “106 & Park Freestyle Fridays.” Nigam has written and performed songs for Indian films for nearly two decades and remains one of the most-streamed artists in India.